NBA Player News

Brunson may have finished Game 6 with a solid point total, but this was anything but a masterclass from the Knicks point guard. After making his first two shot attempts, he missed 11 straight, going into the locker room having shot 2-of-13 from the field. A free throw to begin the third quarter got Brunson going, as he scored 14 of his 31 in the period. But the damage had been done by that point, especially with the other Knicks failing to get going. Brunson and the Knicks head home to host Game 7 on Sunday, with the winner advancing to face Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals. The franchise last hosted a Game 7 in 1995, which they lost to the Pacers.

Nesmith suffered a sprained right ankle during the first half of Thursday’s game and was ruled out during the halftime break. He finished with three points, two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes. Kobe Brown started the third quarter for Nesmith, and he may be the starter for Friday’s rematch as well.

The Suns are without Dillon Brooks, who’s serving a one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season during the team’s final game before the All-Star break. As a result, Green will make his third start of the season and first since November 8.

Curry is still dealing with a persistent knee injury, according to Charania. The 37-year-old point guard will miss the next 10 days, which covers the next five Warriors games. At that point, Curry will be re-evaluated by doctors. Gui Santos figures to continue starting for Golden State and is worth streaming in deeper leagues with Curry out.

Murray-Boyles is set to occupy one of the starting spots for Toronto, as Jakob Poeltl will come off the bench. The rookie forward has been a nice two-way presence for the Raptors, but doesn’t have much upside as a fantasy basketball performer yet. Still, he should see a good amount of minutes and serve as a positive piece for the Raptors on Thursday in their attempt to get back in the win column.

Giddey, Okoro and Smith are back after missing time before the All-Star break due to injury. As a result of their returns, Collin Sexton, Patrick Williams and Guerschon Yabusele head to the bench. Simons and Buzelis are the holdovers from the quintet that started Chicago’s February 11 loss to the Celtics.

Allen popped up on the injury report as questionable with an ankle injury Thursday afternoon and was subsequently ruled out for the game against the Spurs. Allen’s absence won’t impact fantasy basketball much with Devin Booker and Jalen Green back, though Amir Coffey could see additional minutes off the bench.

Clayton missed Memphis’ final two games before the break with a right calf contusion, and he won’t be available for Friday’s game against the team that drafted him in June. With Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. also out, Javon Small will likely enter the Grizzlies’ rotation.

Pippen Jr. won’t play on Friday, as he manages through his recent return from offseason toe surgery. He’s played just three games this season, posting averages of 10.7 points, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 20.0 minutes. He’s shown in his brief action that he can still be a productive player. His numbers should increase once his minutes increase.

Nembhard and Nesmith are back after missing the Pacers’ final game before the All-Star break, but Pascal Siakam (personal) is not. His continued absence means that Walker will get another start, while the returns of Nembhard and Nesmith push Kam Jones and Kobe Brown to the bench.

Murray-Boyles is back after missing Toronto’s final game before the All-Star break. With Jakob Poeltl and Sandro Mamukelashvili also available, the rookie may not get the minutes needed to offer excellent fantasy value. That said, playing time won’t be an issue for Murray-Boyles.